RB Reflection 31 July 2008

Although the life of a monk ought to have about it at all times the character of a Lenten observance, yet since few have the virtue for that, we therefore urge that during the actual days of Lent the brethren keep their lives most pure and at the same time wash away during these holy days all the negligence of other times. And this will be worthily done if we restrain ourselves from all vices and give ourselves up to prayer with tears, to reading, to compunction of heart and to abstinence.

During these days, therefore, let us increase somewhat the usual burden of our service, as by private prayers and by abstinence in food and drink. Thus everyone of his own will may offer God "with joy of the Holy Spirit" (1 Thess. 1:6)something above the measure required of him. From his body, that is he may withhold some food, drink, sleep, talking and jesting; and with the joy of spiritual desire he may look forward to holy Easter.

Let each one, however, suggest to his Abbot what it is that he wants to offer, and let it be done with his blessing and approval. For anything done without the permission of the spiritual father will be imputed to presumption and vainglory
and will merit no reward. Therefore let everything be done with the Abbot's approval.

Let everything be done with the Abbot's approval. That presents something of a problem to the LCG because we are not under obedience to the Abbot of Gethsemani. Would that we were! Truthfully, how far could such obedience extend? Abbot Elias has his hands full with the monastery, the last thing he needs is over a 100 extra people, with varying degrees of commitment, to worry about.

This chapter speaks of lent specifically. Now, a lenten obedience is a horse of a different color. We could make our specific intentions for lent known to him, and feel ourselves ... I almost said accountable, but in his first chapter talk Dom Elias made it clear that accountable was the language of corporations, not of Religious. So, instead I shall say we could make our specific intentions for lent known to him and feel ourselves eager to grow in the spirit so that by keeping our lent, we grow closer to God.

I'm still under this cold, so this is all the inspiration I can come up with for today. May God bring us all to everlasting life.